Looking Back at the Holland Channel, photo by Sandy Hansen Photography
February 9th is the 169th anniversary of the founding of Holland, Michigan. The History of Holland has some background about one of the prime factors for the city’s success, the Holland Channel:
From its very beginnings, Holland provided a refuge for those seeking freedom of expression and a more vibrant economy. Persuaded by religious oppression and economic depression, a group of 60 men, women, and children, led by Albertus C. VanRaalte, prepared for their 47-day trip from Rotterdam to New York. VanRaalte intended to purchase land in Wisconsin, but travel delays and an early winter caused the group to layover in Detroit. After hearing about available lands in west Michigan, VanRaalte decided to scout the territory. They reached their destination on February 9, 1847 on the banks of Black Lake—today’s Lake Macatawa.
The hundreds of Dutch immigrants that followed expected to find their promised land, but instead found a swamp and insect-infested forest. Although food was scarce, and the log sheds they built were unable to hold everyone, the settlers persevered. VanRaalte realized the practical and economic potential of the dense forest: trees could be felled to build homes and businesses, while the excess lumber could be sold to purchase farming supplies.
In the early years of Holland history, the settlers set out to conquer several projects. They knew that if Lake Michigan was to provide growth and development, it had to be made accessible by an adequate channel. After trying in vain to receive government aid, the determined Hollanders took up picks and shovels and went about digging the channel themselves. The immigrants also cleared a one-block square of land in the center of the colony—today’s Centennial Park—to serve as a market square.
Read on for more and click for a live webcam of the Holland Channel.
View Sandy’s photo bigger, see more in her Aerial slideshow, and follow her on Facebook too!
More aerial photos and more from Holland on Michigan in Pictures.
Michigan in Pictures 
Great webcam shots = and a decent history too. Poor Big Red looks rather cold out there, though…………..
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To think, had they reached Wisconsin, I might never have met my Dutch-descended husband, I wouldn’t be working for a company started by Dutch immigrants, and I would never have considered GVSU for school because I’d have had no reason to try to go to college near where my boyfriend-turned-fiance did. My entire life would have been different if not for a bad winter, and I’m not even Dutch!
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Pretty cool how things work out, eh? Glad they did for you Erin!!
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